Wally Williams

Only once in Ravens team history have the Super Bowl champions not ultimately signed their franchise player to a long-term contract.

That happened following the 1998 season when offensive lineman Wally Williams joined the New Orleans Saints on a five-year, $18.5 million deal after playing a final season in Baltimore as the Ravens' franchise player.

"That was back in the early stages of the franchise tag," Williams said. "You got to keep your player, but there was also a financial gain for the player. At the time, I was young and you have all these emotions built up. I was an undrafted player. I wasn't a first-round draft pick. I hadn't been to any...

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